Congress Government Committed to Women’s Empowerment and Development, Says CM Sukhu at International Women’s Day Event.
Shahpur, Kangra:
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu affirmed the Congress government’s unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment and announced several key initiatives for the region. Addressing a large public gathering at Chambi Ground in Shahpur Assembly Constituency today, Sukhu highlighted the government’s proactive stance on women’s rights and social welfare.
The Chief Minister marked the occasion with the announcement of significant developments, including the establishment of a Sub Judge Court and DSP office in Shahpur. He also shared plans to convert Government Senior Secondary School Rait into a Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding School, along with a Rs. 25 lakh fund for the construction of Guru Ravidas Bhawan in Shahpur. Other notable announcements included the opening of a Jal Shakti Vibhag section in Darini, a bulk milk cooler in Rirkmaar, and the upgrade of the Primary Health Centre in Rirkmaar to a Community Health Centre.
Sukhu reiterated the Congress party’s historical role in women’s empowerment, crediting former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi for pioneering the 33% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions. He also acknowledged Sonia Gandhi’s efforts in getting the Women’s Reservation Bill passed in the Rajya Sabha. The CM emphasized the state government’s initiative to increase police recruitment reservation for women to 30% and extend financial support for the education of children from widowed families under the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana.
In a pointed critique of the previous BJP-led government, Sukhu questioned Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda’s effectiveness and accused the former government of mismanaging the state’s resources, particularly in terms of financial aid for the state’s recovery from the 2023 natural disaster.
Addressing the issue of drug abuse, Sukhu highlighted a 30% reduction in drug abuse under his administration and committed to more stringent action against government employees involved in the drug trade. The Chief Minister also noted improvements in education, with Himachal Pradesh now ranked first nationally in education surveys, thanks to the government’s reforms.
In addition to welfare and infrastructure announcements, Sukhu highlighted his government’s rural focus, revealing plans for a rural-centric budget and the introduction of modern health facilities in rural areas. “Our government is committed to ensuring the welfare of every section of society,” he affirmed.
Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Colonel (Dr.) Dhani Ram Shandil and Agriculture Minister Prof. Chandra Kumar echoed Sukhu’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of women’s contributions to societal progress and the Congress party’s continuous efforts in fostering gender equality.
The event also saw the Chief Minister honoring outstanding women from various sectors, including self-help groups, Anganwadi workers, and national-level Kabaddi players, with cash awards and recognition.
The day concluded with the Chief Minister affirming his government’s commitment to social justice and the empowerment of women, asserting that “women power is the foundation of making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant.”
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, Vice-President of the State Finance Commission Bhawani Pathania, and numerous MLAs and Congress leaders from across the state.
